Sunday, March 30, 2014

sermon, "Hello My Name is ... Ebed Yahweh", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, March 30, 2014

March 30, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 12 of series-
“The Sacred Names of God: Ebed Yahweh”
1 Samuel 16:1-13 The Message Bible
Isaiah 53 The Message Bible

“Hello My Name is…Ebed Yahweh”

Let us pray…
Loving, gracious all knowing and giving God, we thank you for this day that we have come into Your house to hear Your Word. We thank you for the Spirit of Truth that You have placed in each of us. We pray that by that same Spirit You would open Your word for us so that we may better understand how You would have us live out our sojourn here on this earth. May the meditations of our minds and hearts and the words of our mouths be pleasing to You our God…our Rock and Redeemer. Amen

Have you ever bought anything just because of its looks? Have you ever looked only at the outside of someone or something only to be disappointed by what’s really on the inside? There are so many things that look good on the outside but upon a closer look…it is not what it seems. How are we to know what is good and what is not if we can’t tell by looking at it? How are we to figure out how God would have us see things? Can we look at things through the eyes of God?

We are continuing on our journey of learning the Sacred Names of God and praying in that same name. We have prayed to the one true God…our Elohim…we have talked about and prayed to El Elyon who is the Most High God…we have come to realize that our God is the everlasting, eternal God…our El Olam. Our God is our Redeemer…He is Go’el. We know that our God is El Emet the God of Truth and as we follow our Rabbouni…our teacher we are lead in the light of God’s Truth.  As we follow our Rabbouni, we discover a new name for Him, Ebed Yahweh, for He is the Servant of the Lord.

Now I asked how we are to find what is good in God’s eyes? How do we see through the Eye’s of God? What does God see that we may not see from first glance?  Does God even see things differently than we do? Well…I think we can get some insight as we look at 1 Samuel 16:1-13.  Listen to what the Scripture is saying and see if you can pick out how we can see through the eyes of God…I am reading from the Message Bible this morning.
God Looks into the Heart
16  God addressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.”
2-3 “I can’t do that,” said Samuel. “Saul will hear about it and kill me.”
God said, “Take a heifer with you and announce, ‘I’ve come to lead you in worship of God, with this heifer as a sacrifice.’ Make sure Jesse gets invited. I’ll let you know what to do next. I’ll point out the one you are to anoint.”
4 Samuel did what God told him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the town fathers greeted him, but apprehensively. “Is there something wrong?”
5 “Nothing’s wrong. I’ve come to sacrifice this heifer and lead you in the worship of God. Prepare yourselves, be consecrated, and join me in worship.” He made sure Jesse and his sons were also consecrated and called to worship.
6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!”
7 But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”
8 Jesse then called up Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. Samuel said, “This man isn’t God’s choice either.”
9 Next Jesse presented Shammah. Samuel said, “No, this man isn’t either.”
10 Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, “God hasn’t chosen any of these.”
11 Then he asked Jesse, “Is this it? Are there no more sons?”
“Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.”
Samuel ordered Jesse, “Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.”
12 Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health—bright-eyed, good-looking.
God said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.”
13 Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life. Samuel left and went home to Ramah.
God looks at the inside not the outside as the world has its view. What matters most is the inside. I for one praise God that He looks at the inside. If He were to look at the outside of me…if He looked at me from the worlds view…I don’t think I would be where and who I am today. We, as Christians, need to have a heavenly view of the people and the situations around us. If we don’t look at things through God’s eyes we can tend to be discouraged at the things we see. But we have hope because our eyes that can see the good…we can have a heavenly view verses a temporal view.

When the Jewish people were looking for a Savior they looked for someone that the world would have a Savior. They were ;looking for someone to take Rome by storm. But God had someone very different in mind for a Savior. He had our Ebed Yahweh in mind…our Servant of the Lord…some would call Him  Ish Makaboth…The Suffering Servant or Man or Sorrows …but that is a sermon for a couple of weeks from now…

So let’s look at the word servant through the eyes of God. Now…servants were seen as slaves to someone. Though the Israelites were not considered God’s slaves, they were considered his servants, freely putting his interests before their own, confident of his care and protection. Prophets, judges, and kings were called servants of God in the Bible. Scripture speaks of  Moses, Joshua, Hannah, David, Isaiah, Mary the mother of Jesus, and many others as God’s servants because they lived a life of faithful obedience. We too are Gods servants. We are out there doing the work of God, putting His kingdom before our own, trusting that He will use us and take care of us as we work in His fields.

 In ancient times, a servant’s status was directly related to the status of his master. To be a servant of the King of Kings, then, is the greatest of privileges. It is no surprise to discover that the word minister, derived from a Latin word, and the word deacon, derived from a Greek word, both mean “servant.” There are passages called Servant Songs in Isaiah and they all speak of a mysterious Servant who would bring justice to the nations. Through his suffering, this Man of Sorrows, or Ish Makoboth (ISH makuh-BOTH), would redeem many. The Jews may have understood this as a reference to Israel, while early Christians understood these passages as messianic prophecies pointing to the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By becoming one of us, Jesus suffered both with and for us. He was the Servant, Ebed (E-bed), beyond all servants.

What if Jesus had pursued a life of pleasure and comfort? No doubt he may have lived to a ripe old age. But we wouldn’t know, because history would have forgotten him. Who cares about a person who lives only for himself? That’s not the God we worship, not the Lord we follow. But that is not what happened. He became that perfect servant, even unto death. But Jesus is the Ebed Yahweh, who has served us in the most profound way possible, by allowing himself to be nailed to a cross so that we might have life and have it to the full. Praise God that we have that kind of Ebed Yahweh…that Servant of the Lord…who made room for you and me in the Kingdom of God…so that we may be redeemed by His blood…so that we too may become that servant of the Lord.

Yahweh protects the souls of his servants. All who take refuge in him will never be condemned. (Psalm 34:22).
But that’s not the way it’s going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be most important among you will be your slave. (Matthew 20:26-27)

Do people judge you because of what they see on the outside? Do people not even give you a chance because of things you might have done in the past even though you may have changed on the inside? Or even worse, do you judge people only by what you see and not give them a chance? Perhaps we, as Christians, need to put on our eternal glasses so that we can see people and situations through the eyes of God. Maybe then we can turn the tide of despair and hopelessness…maybe we can learn to give others the benefit of the doubt…I have been on the side of people judging me by the outside and it is not a happy place to be. Maybe you are looking for a real Savior that can bring you a new and improved life? Ebed Yahweh is there for us. He may not look like what the world would consider a Savoir but then again God doesn’t see through the eyes of the world but He sees through the eyes of compassion and love. He is there waiting for humanity to decide that it needs a real Savoir…someone who would save them from the darkness all around.  Maybe, just maybe, as we look through the eyes of compassion we can lead others to the Ebed Yahweh that they need. We need to lead them to the Ultimate Servant, our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Maybe then we the world would finally find the peace and wholeness that it desperately needs. But it begins with a new “world view”…it begins with you and me. Then maybe, just maybe…

Let us pray… (Pray to Ebed Yahweh)
March 30, 2014
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 12 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:1-9 (The Message)
“The Suffering Servant”
1 Samuel 16:1-13
“God Looks into the Heart”
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ebed Yahweh à Servant of God
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ebed Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 30, 2014
&
Third Sunday in Lent
reading of poem, “Lent”
by Ann Weems
from her book, Kneeling in Jerusalem
Sermon 11 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 31:1-5 (Names of God bible)
John 13:12-17 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
(John 20:16 – in the garden)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Rabbouni/ El Emet à Teacher/God of Truth
Communion
children’s sermon by Regina Goode
about Johnny Appleseed
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Rabbouni/El Emet”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 23, 2014
&
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17 (not read)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh (ya-WEH yir-EH)à The Lord will supply
Prayers of the People by Ray Foss
children’s sermon by Kelly Curtis
-          Mark 1:12-13 – story about Lent and waiting
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 16, 2014
&
First Sunday in Lent
Sermon 9 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Job 19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
Romans 5:12-19 New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah 49:7
Leviticus 25:48-49
Numbers 35:9-30
Jeremiah 50:33-34
Mark 10:54
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Go’el (go’EL)à Redeemer
Opening Prayer
children’s sermon
-          Why are You Sad?
and sermon “Our Redeemer Lives”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Go’el”)
by Raymond A. Foss
filling in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 9, 2014
&
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon 8 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 46
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Olam (EL o-LAM)à Everlasting/Eternal God
and sermon “Hello My Name El Olam”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Olam”)
by Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Daniel 4:19, 24-35 (The Names of God Bible)
1 Kings 19 (The Names of God Bible)
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Elyon (EL el-YOHN)à God Most High
children’s sermon, “God Rocks!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon ““Hello My Name El Elyon”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Elyon”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ishà Bridegroom
Hosea 2:16, 19-20
Revelations 19:6-9
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Worship Songs:
-          Bless His Holy Name
children’s sermon, Scouting Sunday,
by Jean Howes
-          God’s promise
and sermon “Hello My Name Is… Ish/ Bridegroom”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Ish”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Adonay (Adonai)à Lord
Daniel 9:9-16
Daniel 9:17-19
Daniel 9:9-19
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          a servant is someone who serves the Lord,
using all of their talents to bring His kingdom on earth,
serving our Master in everything they say and do.
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Adonay”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Chayà Living God
Joshua 3:7-13
2 Kings 19:14-16
Jeremiah 10:3-5
2 Corinthians 6:15-16
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
“We have a living and breathing God who is always there for us.
He answers us when we call. Our God is not dead…He surely alive…“
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El Chay”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Chay / Living God”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El à God
-          Elohimà God
-          EloahàGod
Genesis 1:2-2:3
Deuteronomy 28:2-6
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          “and God Created. . . “
by Pastor Ruth
Closing Song – “Friend of God”
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El, Elohim, and Eloah”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . God“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
(and a time to celebrate and remember our own baptism)
Sermon 2 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yeshua --> Jesus
-          Mashiach --> Christ, Messiah
Matthew 1:18-21
Psalm 2
Mark 1:14-20
Matthew 3:13-17
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
and sermon “Hello My Name is …Yeshua/Mashiach”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . Jesus, Christ, Messiah“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 12, 2014
&
Epiphany Sunday
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 1 of “What’s In A Name…”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ha-Shem -> the Name
-          Ehyeh -> I Am
Exodus 3:13-14
Leviticus 24:10-16
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          different names, different meaning – one person
-          many names for God, all one God
and sermon “Our Many Faceted God”
(saved as “Hello My Name Is. . . “)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 5, 2014


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,950+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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